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Anon189762 · 10 Feb 2026
Got an offer. Not happy with the salary. So I asked for an increment within the advertised range but was told it’s “too high.” When I asked why, they said my current pay is low, so asking for a 60% boost is “unreasonable" and they can only base it on what I earn right now. That really confused me. If the role is budgeted at a certain range, shouldn’t the pay be based on the job value and my skills, not my past salary? Is this why they always ask to see our payslip first so they can lowball us?
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Community User · 10 Feb 2026
What a rubbish reasoning from them. You're not asking for a raise from your current job 🤨 you're negotiating pay for a completely different role at a different company. The advertised range reflects what THEY think the job is worth. If they can't justify why you're at the bottom of their own range based on your skills, that's a red flag about how they value people.
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fi5hgame · 10 Feb 2026
Honestly, good job for pushing back! A lot of people just accept the first offer (which i also understand they really need the job). You're spot on that your pay should reflect the role and your skills, not based on the prev history. If they're this resistant within their own advertised range, it might be a blessing in disguise.
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Anon047335 · 10 Feb 2026
Been there and it’s so frustrating 😭 I met all their requirements and asked for a fair offer, but they kept saying “too high” because of my previous pay. Like… hello?? New company, more responsibilities so of course more salary lah right?!
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Anon293451 · 15 Feb 2026
Financial Planner
Yes. To answer your last question. The way HR is taught in singapore is cruel and dehumanising. Numbers only, not humans. Ironic
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Anon770056 · 10 Feb 2026
Hmm dont u think asking for 60% more is pretty bold. From their side, why would they pay top dollar when they can get u cheaper? i think that's how they view from their perspective 🙂↕️🙂↕️
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Clarissa · 10 Feb 2026
Customer Service Executive
That's why starting pay is so important. I was also a victim of this. Got my first job during covid period and the pay was bad but its better than no job at all. I tried applying for the next company and at the interview they told me my expectations were to high. But in the end HR gave me the exact pay I wanted. I was lucky at that point ah. But if they are not willing to give you a pay that is within their range then it could be a red flag, shows how they take advantage of people.
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Rumaizah · 12 Feb 2026
Regional Marketing Manager
Yeah, find it ridiculous. But if they are giving such reasons, then it's a red flag company. Even if they give you that offer, they prob won't give you any pay raise for a year or two.
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multitasker88 · 10 Feb 2026
Aiya, you might've overplayed your hand here. A 60% increase does raise eyebrows, even if it's within their range. They're probably thinking if you're earning that little now, maybe you're not as experienced as other candidates. Fair or not, that's how employers think. You could lose this offer entirely by pushing too hard. just saying...
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YONG KIN · 21 Feb 2026
Chief Financial Officer
they dunno how to compensate for your experience n cut short the learning curve
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Mazlan · 6 Mar 2026
Data Center Manager
Just for context, where in their advertised range does the 60% asking fall under? Bottom half, mid range?
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